"This is a diabolical decision. The inspector gave no credence to the evidence we presented. The evidence about traffic problems on the A65 and the area in general seemed to be totally ignored, as was the impact on an already stretched local infrastructure, such as doctors and schools.

"The word 'outrage' springs to mind. It seems our objections were just ignored - and the really annoying thing is that the inspector can now just walk away with his report and not even engage with us and tell us why he didn't take our evidence into account.

"There is planning permission already for over 2,500 new homes in the area that have not been built. That means roughly 5,000 more cars adding to the gridlock at weekends and peak times."

Conservative Guiseley and Rawdon councillor Graham Latty said:

"I am very disappointed with this outcome. I really did feel there was a possibility for a successful outcome from this inquiry.

"However, once again, local people and local councillors have been overruled by the planning inspectorate. This doesn't mean that we will not fight future applications, but we have to admit that in these difficult financial times there is a limit to how much the council can afford to pay out in legal fees and costs."

The planning inspector said there was 'no justifiable reason' to refuse the development. He said the section 106 agreement - payments from developers to the local authority to help ameliorate the effects of new development on a community - 'removes council objections on affordable housing, greenspace, education, car parking, travel and highway grounds'.

The council is also liable for the developer's costs for the appeal, which are yet to be agreed.